Travellers have been labelled “disrespectful” after setting up camp at a cemetery.

An unauthorised encampment of van dwellers have taken up residence at the Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Warren Road, Woodingdean.

The group arrived on Monday and residents say they have already informed local MP Simon Kirby and Woodingdean councillors.

The 37 acre lawn memorial cemetery opened in 1963 and has specialist areas set aside for Muslims, Quakers and other denominations.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Even though you can not see gravestones when you first go there, there are signs a both ends of the cemetery so its pretty clear what the site is.

"My very best friend at school has his two parents buried there so as you can imagine this really annoys me.

"It has happened here about five years ago and that time they interrupted a funeral service.

"There is a lot of strength of feeling on the Facebook group about this."

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "We’re highly aware of the fact it’s a sensitive site. 

"We’re due to attend the encampment with police today to establish what prompt action the law of the land enables us or the police to take.”